A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Cherry Tomatoes
If you have ever experienced the delight of biting into a freshly picked cherry tomato warmed by the sun, you understand why they are a popular choice among gardeners. Cherry tomatoes, a variety of Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme, are not only flavorful but also relatively easy to grow, making them an excellent option for new gardeners. In addition to their taste, cherry tomatoes offer the advantage of requiring fewer days to mature than regular tomatoes. This makes them a great choice for gardeners in colder climates with shorter growing seasons or in areas where the summer temperatures rise too quickly for fruit to set. However, it is essential to note that while the ripe fruit is safe for consumption, the foliage of the tomato plant is toxic to both humans and pets.
Planting Cherry Tomatoes
When to Plant
Cherry tomatoes should be planted in the spring once all threats of frost have passed. Seeds can also be started indoors about four weeks before the projected frost date in your area and then transplanted outside once the seedlings reach at least 6 inches in height.
Selecting a Planting Site
Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for your cherry tomatoes. Ensure that nearby plants do not shade the tomato plants as they grow and leaf out in the spring. Consider using containers for growing cherry tomatoes, and practice crop rotation to prevent diseases and nutrient depletion in the soil.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Space cherry tomato plants a few feet apart to allow for their spreading growth habit and promote proper air circulation. When planting seeds, cover them with about 1/4 inch of soil, and plant nursery plants at the same depth they were growing in their containers. Most cherry tomato varieties are indeterminate, meaning they continue to grow throughout the season, so provide support such as a tomato cage to control their growth.
Cherry Tomato Plant Care
Light
Cherry tomatoes require at least six to eight hours of full, direct sunlight daily to thrive.
Soil
Ensure that the soil for your cherry tomatoes is slightly acidic, well-drained, rich, and loamy. Consider conducting a soil test to check the nutrient levels and pH of your soil. If your garden soil is heavy and poorly draining, opt for raised beds or containers for growing tomatoes.
Water
Water cherry tomatoes deeply and regularly, ensuring that the soil remains evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out, especially during fruit development, to prevent blossom end rot. Overwatering can lead to tomato splitting, so use drip irrigation instead of overhead watering to prevent diseases like blight.
Temperature and Humidity
Wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit before planting tomatoes. Harden off seedlings started indoors by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. While humidity generally isn’t a concern for tomatoes, humid weather can lead to foliage staying wet longer, increasing the risk of fungal diseases in the absence of good air flow.
Fertilizer
Use a fertilizer labeled for tomatoes at planting time and continue to fertilize throughout the season following the instructions on the label. Adding compost to the planting hole can also provide a nutrient boost to your tomato plants.
Pollination
Tomato plants are self-pollinating and attract bees and other pollinators to the garden for cross-pollination.
Types of Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes come in various cultivars with different shapes and colors, ranging from red to yellow, orange, and blackish-purple. Popular cherry tomato varieties include ‘Black Cherry,’ ‘Fantastico,’ ‘Golden Sweet,’ ‘Isis Candy,’ and ‘Sun Gold.’
Cherry Tomatoes vs. Grape Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes are both small varieties, but they have some key differences. Cherry tomatoes are round and juicy with thinner skin, while grape tomatoes are oblong, less juicy, and have thicker skin.
Harvesting Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are typically ready for harvest 50 to 65 days after planting. Ripe tomatoes will change color and easily detach from the stem. Regularly check your plants for ripe fruit to prevent cracking or dropping from the vine. Harvest before heavy rain to avoid cracking, and store at room temperature for best results. Cherry tomatoes can also be preserved through canning, drying, or freezing.
Growing Cherry Tomatoes in Pots
Growing cherry tomatoes in pots can help prevent pests and diseases and provide convenience for harvesting. Choose compact cherry tomato varieties bred for container growth and use large pots with good drainage. Water regularly and provide support for vines in container-grown tomatoes.
Pruning
While not essential, pruning helps cherry tomato plants produce more fruit. Remove suckers and stems that drag on the ground to focus the plant’s energy on fruit production.
Propagating Cherry Tomatoes
In addition to growing tomatoes from seed or nursery plants, it is possible to propagate them from cuttings. This method allows you to clone a favorite tomato plant for its characteristics.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Cherry tomatoes, like other tomato varieties, are susceptible to diseases and pests such as blight, leaf spot, viruses, wilt, and hornworms. Proper garden practices, adequate space, support structures, and disease-resistant cultivars can help prevent and manage these issues.
Cherry tomatoes are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a fruitful harvest in a relatively short time frame. By providing them with the right growing conditions, care, and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful supply of these flavorful fruits throughout the season.
